M&A Associate Director - Specialty Finance

SUMMARY

Title: M&A Associate Director

Group: Specialty Finance

Location: London

WHY STEPHENS

Founded in 1933, Stephens is a privately held, family-owned financial services firm built on long-term relationships, independent thinking and a commitment to earning our clients’ trust. For generations, Stephens has helped clients navigate changing markets, pursue opportunities and develop thoughtful financial solutions that create lasting value.

With offices in strategic locations across the U.S. and Europe, we provide objective advice and precise execution across the full array of investment banking services, including M&A, public and private debt and equity capital raising, restructurings, recapitalisations and other strategic transactions. We bring sector-informed insight to public, private and family-owned businesses, as well as financial sponsors, family offices and other institutional investors.

At Stephens, bankers build their careers in a collaborative environment that values sound judgement, initiative, integrity and a commitment to client outcomes. For candidates who want to be challenged, contribute to meaningful client work and grow within a stable, relationship-driven platform, Stephens offers a place to build a meaningful investment banking career over the long term.

SPECIALTY FINANCE

Our transatlantic Specialty Finance team represents one of the longest-standing franchises dedicated to the Specialty Finance sector, leveraging expertise built from executing M&A and capital raising advisory transactions for commercial and consumer finance clients across North America and Europe. Our senior bankers work as a team to provide expert market intelligence, advisory and execution services while aligning with our specialty finance clients as teammates and not competitors. We have deep relationships with public and private financing sources. This enables us to develop innovative debt and equity capital raising solutions as well as buy side and sell side strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Associate Director at Stephens, you will play a leadership role on deal teams, overseeing transaction execution while supporting senior bankers in client coverage, business development and relationship maintenance. Associate Directors are expected to manage complex workstreams, guide Associates and Analysts, maintain high standards for execution quality and develop the judgement, client instincts and commercial perspective expected of future senior bankers. Key tasks include:

• Leading the execution of live engagements from initial preparation through transaction closing


• Supporting senior bankers in client coverage and business development through idea generation, market analysis, client targeting and creation of marketing materials


• Reviewing work product prepared by Associates and Analysts to ensure accuracy, timeliness and quality


• Recruiting, training and mentoring Associates and Analysts

QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ years of M&A advisory experience


• Strong experience advising banks and/or non-bank lenders


• Bachelor’s degree


• Strong analytical, financial modelling and valuation skills, including the ability to review and guide work product prepared by Associates and Analysts


• Demonstrated ability to manage transaction execution, prioritise competing workstreams and maintain high standards in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment


• Ability to support senior bankers in client coverage and business development, including idea generation, market analysis and the development of marketing strategies


• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills


• High level of personal integrity, accountability and attention to detail


• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment


• Commitment to respecting and safeguarding confidential information and adherence to regulatory requirements